The Long Shadow of Childhood Adversity: The Mediating Role of Theoretical Processes in the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Victim-Offender Overlap

Few criminological phenomena are as well-documented as the victim-offender overlap, yet its underlying sources remain poorly understood. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, this study examines the role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in the overlap...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Authors: Leban, Lindsay (Author) ; Doherty, Savannah L. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2025
In: Victims & offenders
Year: 2025, Volume: 20, Issue: 5/6, Pages: 976-1004
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
Theory
Offending
Victimization
Victim-offender overlap
adversity
ACEs
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Description
Summary:Few criminological phenomena are as well-documented as the victim-offender overlap, yet its underlying sources remain poorly understood. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, this study examines the role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in the overlap in victimization and offending in early adulthood, while evaluating potential mediating theoretical processes. Results indicate that ACEs significantly influence the victim-offender overlap, extending beyond their impact on victimization or offending alone. The pathway from ACEs to the victim-offender overlap operates, in part, through low self-control, deviant peer association, drug use, and weakened social bonds.
ISSN:1556-4991
DOI:10.1080/15564886.2025.2505031